"Wait..."
Ipponmatsu had wanted to say, "Don't give a famous sword like that to some little girl," but... he didn't quite dare say that to a renowned powerhouse like the Great Angel.
One of his main lines of business was selling weapons to "restless" people.
That was why his shop stocked everything, not just katanas, but all kinds of armor, shields, double-edged swords, rapiers, and even various firearms.
By East Blue standards, he was well-informed.
So he knew perfectly well that if a powerful person had a good temper and a good reputation, that was all the more reason not to use those qualities as an excuse to provoke them...
"I mean... never mind."
Ipponmatsu hesitated. With such a good reputation, the man would surely pay anyway... perhaps he should just let it go.
"Huh?! A band? I don't know how... besides, I've already decided to become a Marine who upholds justice!"
Tashigi snapped out of her daze as well.
She carefully put Yubashiri away, only to hurriedly hand it back to Sephiroth.
"Hmm, you two have objections?"
"Yes-"
"No-"
As soon as Sephiroth finished speaking, the two answered in unison, but with opposite responses.
Then Tashigi and Ipponmatsu exchanged a glance.
Tashigi's face was a picture of innocence.
Veins bulged at Ipponmatsu's temples, beneath his bald crown and the winglike tufts of hair sticking out to either side.
Well into the latter half of middle age, he felt his blood pressure might yet reach a new record.
"I see. You're worried she'll fail to do this sword justice? But she's an excellent swordsman too."
Sephiroth took Yubashiri back. He had to admit, it was quite an attractive sword.
Having been praised as an excellent swordsman, Tashigi bashfully rubbed the back of her head.
"I still have a long way